The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

One is taken from lending; The other from sowing.

1. Alms-giving is set forth in Scripture by lending; yea to such a lending whereby we have not only the principal restored, but with great increase. And whereas such as put forth their money unto men, can expect but six in the hundred; If we in obedience to the command of God, shall freely part with our money to the use of the poor, for their relief, we shall receive an hundred for six, yea an hundred for one,¹ and eternal life to boot. And we need not to doubt of the payment; for though the poor be never so unable, yet we have an all-sufficient Surety, even God himself, who hath undertaken to pay whatsoever is thus put forth,² according to that of the Wise-man, He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord, and that which he hath given, will he pay him again. Where you have Gods counterbond to save you harmless, in which he both acknowledgeth the debt, and promiseth payment. And what better security can any man desire than a bond under Gods own hand? The consideration whereof should me-thinks make us willing to embrace any opportunity of putting out our money to this great advantage.

1. Alms-giving is set forth in Scripture by lending; yea to such a lending whereby wee have not only the principal restored, but with great increase. And whereas such as put forth their mony unto men, can expect but six in the hundred; If wee in obedience to the command of God, shall freely part with our mony to the use of the poor, for their relief, wee shall receive an hundred for six, yea an hundred for one,¹ and eternal life to boot. And wee need not to doubt of the payment; for though the poor be never so unable, yet wee have an all-sufficient Surety, even God himself, who hath undertaken to pay whatsoever is thus put forth,²